UNDATED, MI (WKZO AM/FM) —
AAA is reminding traveling citizens that the best time to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights has officially begun.
According to an official press release, data from AAA Travel’s flight booking data indicates that September 25th marks the beginning of the best possible booking period.
“Holiday travelers should make their plans now and begin booking their flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas as early as Wednesday, Sept. 25 for the best deals and availability,” Vice President of AAA Travel Paula Twidale said. “Procrastinating travelers may be able to find last-minute deals on flights close to the holidays, as airlines look to fill their last few remaining seats, but flight availability for these peak travel weeks will be very limited by that time.”
For Thanksgiving travel, the best average prices occur between Sept. 25th and Oct. 27th. Good rates can also be found between one week to 13 days before the holiday.
The data also indicates the Monday before Thanksgiving as being a relatively cheap day to travel.
For Christmas flight bookings, dates are similar. AAA notes that the best time to buy Christmas tickets is between Sept. 26th and Oct. 25th.
“Last year, AAA projected that 54.3 million Americans would travel over the Thanksgiving holiday and a record-breaking 112.5 million during the longer year-end holiday season,” Twidale added. “If those trends hold again this year, travelers are in for crowded airports and, possibly, longer wait times. Pack your patience and plan ahead, giving yourself plenty of time at the airport to maintain that holiday cheer.”
AAA says that travelers can still get a good deal on a Christmas flight when booked between Oct. 26 and Nov. 27. Christmas Eve is often the best day to travel.
At any rate, AAA recommends booking flights as soon as possible, preferably before October 27th for the best chance at a good deal.
